Healthy Dessert might sound like an oxymoron, but these health-conscious bakeries prove that guilt-free treats do exist

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

Babycakes NYC

Website: https://www.erinmckennasbakery.com/new-york-city/

Location: 248 Broome Street

Celebrated vegan baker, Erin Mckenna, owns Babycakes NYC where patrons can indulge in vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and refined-sugar free cupcakes. Mckenna (who isn’t even vegan herself) substitutes white sugar for agave, rice and coco milk instead of dairy, and coco oil instead of canola. But the one thing that is not substituted for at Babycakes is the incredible taste of its products. Stop by McKenna’s quaint Lower East Side shop to try them out for yourself.

Courtesy of erinmckennasbakery.com

The Protein Bakery

Website: http://proteinbakery.com/pages/about-us

Location: 144 W. 19th St.

How about some muscle with that dessert? Every bite of The Protein Bakery’s cookies, brownies, and blondies are filled with muscle-building protein that keeps you fuller longer and helps to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. Their baked goods are also high in dietary fiber, low in gluten, nutritionally balanced, and made with all natural ingredients. So, next time you need to refuel before hitting the gym, swap that boring Cliff Bar for a delicious Protein Bakery cookie.

Courtesy of proteinbakery.com

Blossom Bakery

Website: http://www.blossombakerynyc.com

Location: 174 9^th Avenue (between 20^th and 21^st streets)

Thanks to the 100% vegan Blossom Bakery, classic indulgences like Butterfingers and Peppermint Patties have healthy alternatives. Patrons can try a gluten-free Peppermint Patty or “Betterfinger” Bar along with their custom cakes, seasonal mini pies, and cookie platters (also with gluten-free options). Blossom Bakery’s treats can be purchased at their bustling ninth avenue shop and all Blossom Du Jour locations.

Courtesy of blossombakerynyc.com

Vegan Divas

Website: http://vegandivasnyc.com

Location: 1437 1^st Avenue

Vegan Divas Baked Goods allow individuals to be fierce, fabulous, and healthy while eating dessert. Brazilian “divas” and co-owners Fernanda Capobianco and Helene Safdie bake with fresh ingredients like organic spelt four, maple syrup, and cold pressed coconut oil to create healthy indulgences. Making everything from vegan ice cream to mini donuts and parfaits, these health-conscious bakers are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without busting your belly.

Courtesy of vegandivasnyc.com

Tu-Lu’s Gluten-Free Bakery

Website: https://www.tu-lusbakery.com

Location: 338 East 11^th Street

Tully Phillips’ New York bakery is almost as cute as her name. Within Tu-Lu’s pastel-colored walls are an abundance of delightful baked goods that are perfect for gluten-intolerant customers. After being diagnosed with a gluten allergy in 2008, Phillips went on a mission to uncover all her favorite foods in gluten-free form. The only things she had a hard time finding were her beloved baked goods. So, Phillips did what any dessert-loving girl would do, she went to cooking school and opened up her very own gluten-free bakery (and thank goodness for that!)